Method of manufacturing a multi-layer rotatable jewelry ring

ABSTRACT

A method for creating a jewelry ring made of multiple stacked rings that are counter-rotatable with respect to each other. Using precise CNC machining, two ring blanks are formed to have complimentary shaped bearing ends that interlock with each other to prevent axial dislocation, but also provide complimentary bearings so that the rings are counter-rotatable to each other. These ring blanks are sized relative to each other so that after being formed, they can be aligned at their complimentary ends and the smaller ring enlarged to snap into the larger ring. The method also requires precise interior diameter smoothing and post-processing, so that the slight separation between the two stacked ring blanks cannot be felt by the wearer. A two-ring and a three-ring version are fully disclosed, but by logical extension this method can be used to make any number of stacked rings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention lies in the field of jewelry ring assembly, and particularly to improved rotatable rings and methods of their manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is typical in the art of jewelry to incorporate alternate wearability in a single piece, such as by providing for interchangeable decorative elements. One such convention in the field of jewelry rings is to incorporate a rotatable element. Most commonly an outer ring is rotatable around a base ring, which has a diameter less than that of the outer ring, thus allowing the outer ring to rotate. Typically, the base ring comprises annular edges that are greater than the diameter of the outer ring, in order to keep the outer ring in place. This structure poses challenges for assembly, because it often involves soldering two base pieces to form the base ring, or the process of shaping or flaring the outer edges of the base ring. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,428 (Pasquetti), U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,732 (Ofiesh).

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simplified process for making a rotatable jewelry ring. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a jewelry ring comprising multiple rings in a stacked configuration, such that the stacked rings are counter-rotatable with respect to each other, yet still attached to one another so that they form a single ring. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a general method for assembling stacked, rotatable rings, which can be extended to stacking ring combinations of any number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a completed, two-ring embodiment of the jewelry ring of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a completed, three-ring embodiment of the jewelry ring of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of two ring blanks used in the pre-turning step in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the formation step in the first embodiment of the present invention, in which two rings are formed to be slidably interconnected.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a single-connected ring created in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of three ring blanks used in the pre-turning step in the second embodiment present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the formation step in the second embodiment of the present invention, in which three rings are formed to be slidably interconnected.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the steps of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the steps of a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 7-8 for the steps of the process of two embodiments of the present invention. Results or transformations of material inputs of certain steps of the invention are shown in additional detail in FIGS. 1-6. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-B, there are shown examples of jewelry rings that can be made using the process of the present invention. FIG. 1A depicts a jewelry ring that can be produced using the process of the present invention, such that the ring comprises two stacked, counter-rotatable, connected rings 1 and 2. FIG. 1B shows a jewelry ring that can be produced using the process of the present invention, such that the ring comprises three stacked, counter-rotatable, connected rings 1, 2, and 1 a. This process can be logically extended to make rings of multiple stacked, counter-rotatable, connected rings. Because the stacked bands are counter-rotatable, the wearer can create new patterns and configurations simply by rotating the bands with respect to one another. Furthermore, using the process of the present invention, the stacked rings are interlocked and cannot be pulled apart, and they rotate smoothly without requiring additional lubrication and without excessive wear. Aesthetically, the stacked rings fit together seamlessly and in harmony, thematically suitable as a commemoration of wedlock.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIGS. 2-4, a first embodiment for assembling two rings will now be described. Two ring blanks 11 and 12, shown in FIG. 2, are formed or otherwise obtained. Existing commercially available ring blanks can be purchased and used, or can be created using conventional methods. Preferred materials include gold, palladium, or platinum, but other metals, combinations of metals, or even other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Ring blank 11 has a smaller interior diameter than that of ring blank 12, for reasons that will be explained in further detail below. In the preferred embodiment, first ring blank 11 has interior diameter 6.75 mm and second ring blank 12 has interior diameter of 7 mm, in order to create a standard-sized finished ring. In some embodiments, prior to further CNC shaping, the ring blanks are cleaned and/or semi-finished 101, preferably on a turning machine.

Referring now to FIG. 3, first formed ring 1 is formed 102 as follows: at one edge of the ring blank, convex bearing surface 9 is recessed from and facing the outer diameter 5, wherein convex bearing surface 9 is connected to the ring 1 by flat bearing surface 9 a, which is further recessed from convex bearing surface 9. Second formed ring 2 is formed 102 as follows: at one end of the ring blank, flat bearing surface 4 b is recessed from and facing the inner diameter 8, wherein flat bearing surface 4 b is connected to the ring 2 by concave bearing surface 4, which is further recessed from the flat bearing surface 4 b. CNC-turning is the preferred technique for formation, but other known or conventional forming techniques may be applied. CNC-turning enables precise shaping of the formed rings so that they will fit together accurately.

Given these complementary forms, the rings can be fit together as follows: convex bearing surface 9 and concave bearing surface 4 are aligned so that they will be in slidable contact with one another, and flat bearing surface 9 a and flat bearing surface 4 b are aligned so that they will be in slidable contact with one another. Due to the diameter of the first ring being smaller than that of the second, the first formed ring 1 can be fitted 103 into the second formed ring 2, aligning convex bearing surface 9 with the concave bearing surface 4 and the first ring's flat bearing surface 9 a with the second ring's flat bearing surface 4 b. Using a jig or other ring sizing means, first formed ring 1 is enlarged 104 until its interior diameter 7 is flush with interior diameter 8 of second formed ring 2.

The alignment of the bearings enables rotation of the stacked rings in opposite directions around the central axis while preventing the rings from axial separation. The stacked rings will slide freely within the bearings without the need for lubricant. Thus, the first and second rings now form a single interconnected ring 3, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The inner diameter of this stacked ring 3 is smoothed 105 in order to fine-tune and reduce gap 15 between the first and second formed rings. This processing results in the inner diameter of the stacked ring 3 becoming smooth and concave, so that the wearer will not notice that it is made of multiple rings. Thus the ring has a smooth and comfortable fit without pinching or catching the user's skin. Decorative techniques can subsequently be applied 106 to the connected ring. For instance, the exterior surface of the ring can be machined for texture or gem settings. Diamonds and other gems can be applied, as well as plating and other finishes, such as rhodium finishing.

With reference to FIG. 8 and FIGS. 5-6, a second, three ring embodiment will now be described. Three ring blanks, 11, 12, and 11 a are cast, created or otherwise obtained. Existing commercially available ring blanks can be purchased and used, or can be created using conventional methods. Preferred materials include gold, palladium, or platinum, but other metals, combinations of metals, or even other materials may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Central ring blank 12 has diameter larger than that of the first and third ring blanks 11 and 11 a. For a standard-sized ring, the first and third ring blanks have diameter 6.75 mm and the second ring blank has diameter of 7 mm. In some embodiments, prior to further CNC shaping, the ring blanks are cleaned and/or semi-finished 101, preferably on a turning machine.

With reference to FIG. 6, the first ring 1 is formed 202 identically as in the two-ring version, having a convex bearing surface 9 at one end of the ring, recessed from and facing outer diameter 5. Furthermore, a flat bearing surface 9 a recessed from and facing convex bearing surface 9 connects convex bearing surface 9 to the body of first ring 1. A second ring 2 is formed 202 as follows: at one end of the ring blank, first flat bearing surface 4 b is formed, recessed from and facing inner diameter 8. First concave bearing surface 4 is also formed 202, recessed from and facing first flat bearing surface 4 b and connecting first flat bearing surface 4 b to the body of second ring 2. In addition, second ring 2 is formed 202 identically at the other end having second flat bearing surface 14 b, recessed from and facing inner diameter 8. Second concave bearing surface 14 recessed from and facing inner diameter 8, connects second flat bearing surface 14 b to the body of second ring 2. Third ring 1 a is formed 202 having convex bearing surface 19 at one end of the ring, recessed from and facing outer diameter 15. Furthermore, flat bearing surface 19 a is formed 202 recessed from and facing convex bearing surface 19, and connects convex bearing surface 19 to the body of third ring 1 a. CNC-turning is the preferred technique for formation, but other known or conventional forming techniques may be applied. CNC-turning enables precise shaping of the formed rings so that they will fit together accurately.

Because first ring 1 and third ring 1 a have diameter slightly less than that of second ring 2, first and third rings 1 and 1 a can be fitted 203 into the formed second ring 2, aligning convex bearing surface 9 of formed first ring 1 with first concave bearing surface 4 of formed second ring 2 and flat bearing surface 9 a of formed first ring 1 with first flat bearing surface 4 b of formed second ring 2, and aligning convex bearing surface 19 of formed third ring 1 a with second concave bearing surface 14 of formed second ring 2 and flat bearing surface 19 a of formed third ring 1 a with second flat bearing surface 14 a of formed second ring 2. Using a jig, the first and third rings 1 and 1 a can next be enlarged 204 until their inner diameters 7 and 17, respectively, are flush with the inner diameter 8 of formed second ring 2. Expansion can alternatively be performed by conventional methods, other than through use of a jig, for instance by using a ring sizer.

The first, second, and third formed rings will now be slidably interconnected and fixed within their bearings without being able to be pulled apart. The alignment of the bearings enables rotation of the stacked rings in opposite directions around the central axis while preventing the rings from axial separation. The stacked rings will slide freely within the bearings without the need for lubricant. Thus, the first, second and third rings now form a single interconnected, stacked ring similar to the example illustrated in FIG. 1B. As in the two-ring version, the diameter of this stacked ring is smoothed 205 in order to fine-tune and reduce any gap between the first and second, and second and third formed rings, which would have been noticeable to the wearer or caught or pinched the wearer's skin. ID-turning results in a slightly concave entire interior surface of the ring, providing additional comfort and wearability, analogous to the example shown in FIG. 4.

Decorative techniques can subsequently be applied 206 to the connected ring. For instance, the exterior surface of the ring can be machined for texture or gem settings. Diamonds and other gems can be applied, as well as plating and other finishes, such as rhodium finishing. 

1. A method for making a jewelry ring comprised of two stacked rings counter-rotatable to each other, the method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a first ring blank and a second ring blank with inner diameter larger than that of the first ring blank; b. forming the first ring blank as follows: at one edge of the first ring blank, a convex bearing surface recessed from and facing the outer diameter of said first ring blank, wherein the convex bearing surface is connected to the first ring blank by a flat bearing surface recessed from the convex bearing surface; c. forming the second ring blank as follows: at one edge of the second ring blank, a flat bearing surface recessed from and facing the inner diameter of said second ring blank, wherein the flat bearing surface is connected to the second ring blank by a concave bearing surface recessed from the flat bearing surface; d. aligning the convex bearing surface of the first formed ring with the concave bearing surface of the second formed ring, and the flat bearing surface of the first formed ring with the flat bearing surface of the second formed ring; e. enlarging the first formed ring so that the inner diameter of the first formed ring is flush with the inner diameter of the second formed ring, resulting in a single connected ring comprised of the first and second formed rings counter-rotatable to each other; and f. post-processing the single connected ring by smoothing its inner diameter.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein prior to forming the first and the second ring blanks they are semi-finished.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the post-processing step additionally comprises shaping the inner diameter of the single connected ring into a convex surface.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the post-processing step additionally comprises shaping the inner diameter of the single connected ring into a convex surface.
 5. A method for making a jewelry ring comprised of three stacked rings counter-rotatable to each other, the method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a first ring blank, a second ring blank and a third ring blank, wherein the second ring blank has inner diameter larger than that of the first and third ring blanks; b. forming the first ring blank as follows: at one edge of the first ring blank, a convex bearing surface recessed from and facing the outer diameter of said first ring blank, wherein the convex bearing surface is connected to the first ring blank by a flat bearing surface recessed from the convex bearing surface; c. forming the second ring blank as follows: (i) at one edge of the second ring blank, a first flat bearing surface recessed from and facing the inner diameter of said second ring blank, wherein the first flat bearing surface is connected to the second ring blank by a first concave bearing surface recessed from the first flat bearing surface; and (ii) at the other edge of the second ring blank, a second flat bearing surface recessed from and facing the inner diameter of said second ring blank, wherein the second flat bearing surface is connected to the second ring blank by a second concave bearing surface recessed from the second flat bearing surface; d. forming the third ring blank as follows: at one end of the third ring blank, a convex bearing surface recessed from and facing the outer diameter of said third ring blank, wherein the convex bearing surface is connected to the third ring blank by a flat bearing surface recessed from the convex bearing surface; e. aligning (i) the convex bearing surface of the first formed ring with the first concave bearing surface of the second formed ring, and the flat bearing surface of the first formed ring with the first flat bearing surface of the second formed ring; and (ii) aligning the convex bearing surface of the third formed ring with the second concave bearing surface of the second formed ring, and the flat bearing surface of the third formed ring with the second flat bearing surface of the second formed ring; f. enlarging the first formed ring and the third formed ring until the interior diameters of the first and third formed ring are flush with the interior diameter of the second formed ring, resulting in a single connected ring comprised of the first and second formed rings counter-rotatable to each other and the second and third formed rings counter-rotatable to each other; and g. post-processing the single connected ring by smoothing its inner diameter.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein prior to forming the first, second and third ring blanks they are semi-finished.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the post-processing step additionally comprises shaping the inner diameter of the single connected ring into a convex surface.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein the post-processing step additionally comprises shaping the inner diameter of the single connected ring into a convex surface. 